Celandine and Apolonia met in the Overgrown Caverns, in a chamber where sunlight streamed down through a hole in the ceiling and made a small stream of groundwater sparkle. Apolonia was resting on a patch of moss on her way back up to the surface after a long excursion into deeper parts of the dungeon, when Celandine, on her way in, stumbled upon her and was immediately transfixed by her appearance.

It was not long before Apolonia noticed she was being watched and got up, feeling slightly self-conscious.

“Um, hello.” Apolonia said warily when she saw Celandine.

“Hello.” Celandine greeted her with a smile that immediately put Apolonia at ease, swishing her tail. “I’m sorry for staring. I was admiring your hooves, and your tail.”

Apolonia felt her cheeks go warm at the compliment. 

“Well… um, thank you. The color of your coat is very pretty.” 

“Thank you!” Celandine responded warmly. “Are you headed further into the dungeon?”

“No, I’m actually on my way back up to the surface.” 

“Ah, well, I was thinking we could walk together a while, but in that case I’ll settle for just getting your name.”

“Apolonia,” Apolonia answered. “And yours?”

“Celandine. Pleased to make your acquaintance!”

The two of them chatted a while longer, both reluctant to leave the other’s company, but eventually Celandine realized the time and decided it was time for her to continue her delve.

“It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Apolonia. I hope we see each other again sometime.”

“The same to you.” Apolonia responded with a nod and a smile, and watched as Celandine trotted away.